Cook over low heat, whisking constantly until the temperature reaches 175°, approximately (5 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in half and half; cool.

Cover and chill 3 hours or up to 3 days. Stir in rum or vanilla just before serving.

15 servings. Prep time : 20 minutes, cooking time: 5-10 minutes.

Author's Comments

Land O' Lakes Fat Free Half and Half

It looks and tastes like half and half, but it's made mostly of skim milk (and a little carrageenan for body) instead of half cream and half whole milk. That can revolutionize a typical Fettuccine Alfredo recipe, which could easily call for a quarter-cup (or more!) of heavy cream per serving, at the unsightly cost of 22 grams of fat, 14 of them saturated...not including the butter or Parmesan cheese.

With Fat Free Half and Half, those numbers drop to zero, but the flavor doesn't budge.

You can also indulge in a tablespoon or two of Land O' Lakes for your coffee, macaroni and cheese, or mashed potatoes. You won't save as much because each tablespoon of whole milk or real half and half has only a gram or two of fat. But if you use two or three tablespoons per cup of coffee...and drink two or three cups a day...maybe a pint of Fat Free Half and Half belongs in your fridge.